What do we each think about as the light fades each day? Do we dwell upon the current problems we face? Do we plan our to-do list for tomorrow? Do we take time to review the hours that have passed since sunrise? Do we make any effort to purposefully close out the day with our eyes on the Lord?
Vespers, also known as Evening Prayer, is practiced in some Christian traditions and is prayed at sunset to mark the closing of the day. Praying in this way helps to settle our minds and hearts in a faith-filled way.
The peaceful beauty of every sunset creates a fitting backdrop as we take time to reflect upon the Lord and review our day.
Quote
At the setting of the sun, when night comes on, we ought to pray that our rest may be without offense… giving thanks for the blessings of the day now past.
— St. Basil the Great, Longer Rules, Q. 37
Prayer
O Gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Want to go deeper? For the complete “Vesper Light” devotion scroll on to enjoy —
The complete version of today’s prayer
Interesting history about today’s prayer
A question for journaling
Meditative music
PRISM™ Visio Divina (divine sight) devotional exercise
